News Releases

Genesee County is joining the ranks of Michigan communities with 211 service. Lindsey Younger, Resource Genesee president and CEO, announced the launch of the free 24-hour help hotline June 28.

"The 211 service will make it simple for people in need to connect with the services and agencies they need," Younger said. "This service is critical for our area. It's up and running and ready to serve our community."

By dialing 211, callers will receive easy, confidential access to health and human service information and referrals. The service will provide help with questions about food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more. Residents can also call 211 to give help through a variety of volunteer opportunities.

Genesee County will be connected through the Jackson, Mich., 211 hub that handles calls for nine counties. Resource Genesee has provided its extensive database of area health, education, government, social and human service agencies to the Jackson call center.

Callers are asked for their zip code which guides the call specialist to the correct database to provide assistance. The Jackson hub is part of Central Michigan 211.

"Central Michigan 211 is eager to begin serving the residents of Genesee County. We're looking forward to making the connections that make good things happen," said Carey McLamara, Central Michigan information and referral supervisor for 211.

Resource Genesee has long had an information and referral hotline, (810) 767-0500, that provided a similar service 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Connection to the 211 database is available at www.resourcegenesee.org. Click on the 211 icon on the front left side to access a database of health and human services.

The 211 information and referral service will be provided through funding and services from the United Way of Genesee County, the Resource Genesee and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

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